I've been looking around (and around and around). The one thing I have learned is that no one seems to agree on much of anything when it comes to take sizes.

We're getting a 10 gallon, and we want to see if our soon-to-be betta child will live peacefully in the tank. However, we want to have a smaller tank set up and ready to go in case he and his tank mates decide not to take a shining to each other.

I've seen suggestions from Kritter Keepers (how do you filter/heat/light them?) to regular 5 gallon tanks. What is an inexpensive but GOOD option. I want to make sure our new guy is healthy and well-cared for. The less expensive (while still allowing the betta to thrive), the better. I'm okay with doing plenty of water changes, as is necessary.

well a critter keeper may be more expensive in the long run because nothing comes with them. most people use internal filters on them and you would need a heater and you can buy small LED light that you can put on top. OR buy a 5 gallon which will come with light and may even come with a filter, all you would need is a heater.

I got the Marineland Cresent 3 gallon from Petsmart for $35 plus tax. That comes with a filter (it works great, I baffled mine with a filter sponge rubber banded across the front) and a small LED light. It comes with a "seamless" cover but it doesn't work for me with the filter and heater so I leave it open. Then all you need is a heater. I also got a 5.5 gallon from Petco but needed a filter and heater and ended up spending more on that tank than the little one.

All in all, I don't think it matters what size as long as it is at least 1 gallon, the proper water changes and heating. Some fish do better in larger tanks, some don't. It's all personal preferance I suppose. :)

This guys will be coming from a 1 gallon tank with a drip system and some plants, so I want to make sure he has as seamless a transition a possible. :) I'm a total sucker for my critters (case in point: we own a cat tree for EACH of our three cats because they do not want to share).

The fish will be in the office (no cat access unless I am in the office), so I can more easily control the temperature, light, etc.

This guys will be coming from a 1 gallon tank with a drip system and some plants, so I want to make sure he has as seamless a transition a possible. :) I'm a total sucker for my critters (case in point: we own a cat tree for EACH of our three cats because they do not want to share).

Quote:

Originally Posted by harleraven

The fish will be in the office (no cat access unless I am in the office), so I can more easily control the temperature, light, etc.

What flow rate is optimal for a filter for bettas?

low flow. If money is no object I love the Petco Bookshelf 6.6 gallon for bettas. The flow on the quiet filter is adjustable and the tank is long and shallow, great for fast swimming plakats! about $50

low flow. If money is no object I love the Petco Bookshelf 6.6 gallon for bettas. The flow on the quiet filter is adjustable and the tank is long and shallow, great for fast swimming plakats! about $50

Money is an object, as well as tank size. xD I do need to keep this tank on my desk, or else we will have to get another stand (which means more money).

What exactly defines 'low rate'. I know they need low flow rate, but I cannot figure out exactly what that means.

It means how fast or slow the water comes out of the filter. Some filters create a big disturbance on the water surface and some are adjustable so you can control how mush comes out. Most put a home made "baffle" on their filters, either made from an old plastic bottle or a sponge. There is a large stickied thread about it here:

I recommend the TopFin 5.5 gallon starter kit. I picked one up from Petsmart for $30 plus tax, and it's a fantastic tank. It comes with a 5.5 gallon glass tank, TopFin 10 HOB filter which is quiet and very effective (a bit strong for a betta, just baffle it if you are concerned... Zen has learned to love the current, though), lighted hood, and some random starter flakes and water conditioner. So, in addition to the kit, you would need to buy...
- a heater (I have a Fluval 50 watt and I LOVE it)
- gravel
- decorations
- thermometer

When all was said and done, I ended up spending about $80-$90 on my new tank (because I chose to get a $35 heater). Fishkeeping is an expensive hobby, although it is a very fun one! I don't know what I'd do without my boys~ <3